Philippines Faces Catastrophe as Typhoon Fung-wong Approaches

The Philippines is bracing for severe weather as nearly one million people have been evacuated ahead of the late-night landfall of Typhoon Fung-wong. The super typhoon, which is projected to strike the east coast, is packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometres (115 miles) per hour and gusts reaching 230 kph as of 11:00 AM local time on Sunday, according to the state weather service. This storm follows closely on the heels of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which recently devastated parts of the country, resulting in over 220 fatalities.

As authorities prepare for the impending storm, schools and government offices across the main island of Luzon, including the capital Manila, have been ordered to close on Monday. Nearly 300 flights have already been cancelled, disrupting travel plans for many. The island of Catanduanes, which is expected to take a direct hit from Fung-wong, is currently experiencing strong winds and heavy rainfall. Early reports indicate that storm surges are inundating coastal areas, with floodwaters rising significantly in some regions.

Civil Defence Deputy Administrator Rafaelito Alejandro reported in a press briefing that approximately 916,863 people have been evacuated nationwide. He noted, “As we speak, they are feeling the impact of the typhoon, especially in Catanduanes, because the storm’s eye is closest there.” Residents are experiencing intense conditions, with local resident Edson Casarino describing the situation: “The waves started roaring around 7 AM. When the waves hit the seawall, it felt like the ground was shaking.”

Footage verified by AFP shows the church in Virac, Catanduanes, surrounded by floodwaters reaching halfway up its entrance. Flooding has also been reported in the Bicol region of southern Luzon, where authorities had anticipated rising water levels in the Bicol River basin. In the town of Guinobatan, which has a population of around 80,000, videos depict streets transformed into turbulent rivers.

Meteorologists predict that Typhoon Fung-wong could deliver over 200 millimetres (eight inches) of rain in various locations. Climate scientists warn that storms are becoming increasingly powerful due to human-driven climate change. Warmer ocean temperatures allow typhoons to strengthen rapidly, while a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, resulting in heavier rainfall.

In preparation for Typhoon Fung-wong, residents of Catanduanes have employed traditional methods to secure their homes. Provincial rescue official Roberto Monterola explained that locals are “strapping down the roofs with big ropes and anchoring them on the ground, so they won’t be blown away by the wind.” Some residents in Sorsogon, another city in southern Luzon, have sought refuge in local churches, citing concerns about the massive waves and strong winds near their homes.

The Philippines is still reeling from the impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has been identified as the deadliest storm of 2025 according to the disaster database EM-DAT. The typhoon resulted in at least 224 deaths and left over 109 individuals missing. As rescue operations were underway in Cebu, the threat posed by Fung-wong has led officials to suspend search and rescue activities in areas most affected by Kalmaegi. Myrra Daven, a rescue official, stated, “We cannot risk the safety of our rescuers. We don’t want them to be the next casualties.”

As Typhoon Fung-wong approaches, the Philippines faces a critical situation, with communities mobilizing to safeguard lives and property against the impending wrath of nature.